A recent study published in Wales suggests that the shingles vaccine may help prevent dementia, with participants receiving the vaccine showing a 20% lower risk of developing the disease compared to those who did not receive it.
Dementia affects over 55 million people worldwide, with the economic cost of treating and caring for sufferers estimated at over $600 billion annually. However, this study provides a promising solution, as the shingles vaccine has been shown to have protective effects against dementia in older adults.
The study used a “natural experiment” approach, where participants who were eligible for free shingles vaccines due to their age began receiving the vaccine, while those born after September 1, 2013, did not. Researchers then compared the health outcomes of these two groups, finding that those who received the vaccine had a lower risk of developing dementia.
The study’s findings have significant implications, as they suggest that chronic inflammation may be a major factor in cognitive deterioration. By preventing shingles, the vaccine could indirectly protect against this inflammation and reduce the risk of dementia.
While more research is needed to confirm these results, this study provides hope for finding new treatments against Alzheimer’s and dementia. An ongoing clinical trial is examining whether an antiviral medication can slow cognitive decline in people with early-stage Alzheimer’s, which would be a major breakthrough if successful.
Source: https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/407273/dementia-shingles-vaccine-alzheimers-virus-old-age